Former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward Michael Owen told www.premierleague.com that Jordan Henderson has become a 'world class' footballer over the past 12 months.

The BT pundit was quick to heap praise on the former Sunderland midfielder and explained that his struggles at Anfield are now over.

‘’Since his move from Sunderland, it’s been a little bit of a struggle,’’ Owen admitted to the Premier League official website. ‘’In the last season, he has really developed into a world class football player.

‘’In the shadow of Steven Gerrard, maybe? But with Gerrard on his way out and the captaincy available, Now is the time for Henderson to kick on and really develop his career.

‘’I think he’s going to be England and Liverpool’s dominant midfield player for years to come.’’

How much has Henderson improved over the past year?

The praise from Owen for Henderson is likely to raise some eyebrows as the term 'world class' should only be reserved for the very best in the world. However, it’s hard to overlook the progress he has made in the past season.

He has gone from a player that was often mocked over his £20million move to Anfield, as reported by the Telegraph, to a player that looks like a future captain of club, and quite possibly England.

He has improved his range of passing, his decision making and his fitness in a bid to make his move to Liverpool work, and the results have been clear for all to see. Although Brendan Rodgers, too, deserves credit for the acceleration in his progress.

Next season will see him come under the microscope more than ever, especially if he is selected as captain, and he will need to show he has the ability to thrive in that role.